The North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the North Carolina Community Colleges are partnering to bring tire training to the masses in a program they hope becomes a nationwide model.
The three groups are working to offer TIA’s Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) training and certification program at multiple community colleges across North Carolina..
Staff instructors from each participating institution will attend a TIA Certified ATS Instructor class Aug. 6-9, 2019 at Alamance Community College in Graham, N.C. Upon successful completion of the program, the instructors will return to their respective colleges with the credentials to train and certify technicians across North Carolina.
NCTDA President Frankie Pugh said, “This has been a collaborative effort in the making for two years now. The NCTDA Board of Directors has made this training and certification partnership a top priority and we are excited to provide our members with the best technician education in the industry. The NCTDA is also changing the structure of our scholarship funding to assist our members by way of sponsoring trainees for these classes.”
Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for TIA, said, “We don’t have the resources to schedule Certified ATS Technician classes, so the partnership with NCTDA is the perfect solution for small dealers looking for technician training and certification. After the class is completed, there will be a nice geographical spread of community colleges with TIA Certified ATS Instructors who can train and certify technicians across North Carolina. We are hopeful this will serve as a model for other state, regional and provincial tire dealer associations.”
This training opportunity will be open to all companies in North Carolina who service passenger and light truck tires. The program is expected to greatly reduce the cost and travel to anyone in need of training.
School locations, tuition and dates will be announced in the coming months. The NCTDA suggests interested companies monitor its website, www.nctda.com, or call the association at 877-784-0111.
